COLUMBIA, S.C. — State Representative Jermaine Johnson of Richland County has officially announced his campaign for South Carolina governor in the 2026 election, becoming the second Democrat to enter the race.

Johnson, who represents the Lower Richland and Hopkins area of Richland County, said his campaign is driven by what he calls “fearless faith,” a guiding principle behind his commitment to serve the people of South Carolina.

Johnson was first elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2020, defeating a 20-year incumbent. Since then, he has become a prominent voice in the Legislature on issues of education, community development, and equity.

He joins Charleston attorney Mullins McLeod in seeking the Democratic nomination for governor ahead of the 2026 election.

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